AMA Pro Motocross: RedBud National

I’ve been blessed this summer to photograph some of my favorite American motocross tracks, and this past Fourth of July weekend was no exception. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing headed to the beautiful state of Michigan for the Red Bull RedBud MX National in the tiny town of Buchanan. This lush, hilly track has been around since 1972 and will likely always be the focal point of professional motocross racing in this country.

"Red Buuud"—the chant yelled by thousands of fans in the massive infield, many dressed in red, white, and blue, or carrying American flags—is still ringing in my ears. Always expected to have one the largest crowds on the calendar, RedBud is a blast, especially when you have not just one but two national championships on the line and none of the riders is willing to give an inch to his competition.

2014 Red Bull RedBud National Race Highlights

The 250cc class was a dogfight between Star Racing Yamaha teammates Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb. Points-leader Martin took the moto 1 win while Webb went to the back of the pack and finished 14th. In moto 2, Martin eventually succumbed to pressure from his teammate and settled for a 1-2 finish, which ultimately gave him another overall win while Webb's 14-1 placed him fifth. Red Bull KTM's Marvin Musquin duked it out with Rockstar Energy KTM's Jason Anderson, with Musquin going 4-3 for second overall and Anderson rounding out the podium after finishing 3-4 on the day.

Ken Roczen has dominated the premier 450cc class this year, and national pride aside, American fans could not have been happier to see the young German once again come out on top. The crowd erupted when Roczen raced from behind to take the checkered flag in both motos. With his wins, Roczen extended his championship points lead to 280 over fellow Red Bull KTM rider Ryan Dungey at 254 after going 3-3 and finishing third overall. GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac went 4-2, earning the second spot on the podium and boosting himself to 12th overall in points.